06.21.11

Hoeven Statement on Senate Approval of Leon Panetta to be U.S. Defense Secretary

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement upon U.S. Senate approval of current CIA Director Leon Panetta’s appointment as Secretary of Defense: 

“Director Panetta has a long, distinguished history of service to the nation and a willingness to seek bipartisan solutions to our shared national challenges. His successful tenures as a legislator, Office of Management and Budget director, and most recently, as director of the Central Intelligence Agency well qualify him to serve in the crucial role of our nation’s defense secretary. 

“As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I look forward to working with him to ensure that even in tough economic times, our Armed Forces receive the resources they need to ensure America is safe from threats now and in the foreseeable future.”